Free Convincing Landon by Serena Yates

details.”
    Thank God he wouldn’t be required to attend this evening’s session. Meeting up with Landon was far more important.
    “Unless you want to join us, Kendall?” Mr. Ambrose turned around at the last minute and looked at him.
    “No, that’s okay.” Nonchalant was the way to go. “I have a prior commitment.”
    “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mr. Ambrose left with Mr. Parker in tow.
    Kendall breathed a sigh of relief, sent Parker Junior on his way and quickly tidied up. He had a date tonight, the first one of any importance in years.
    He couldn’t wait.

    * * * *

    The Front Porch bar, what Kendall remembered of it, still looked the same as it had however many months ago when he’d last been here. Comfortable booths lined two walls, and a big bar plus a large area for more tables took up the remaining space. Apparently, the simple snacks and finger foods they’d begun serving a while ago had become popular.
    Landon sat at a table in the back, nursing a beer and looking slightly lost. Kendall walked up to him quietly, taking in the sight of the man who still made his heart beat faster so many years later.
    “Hi.” Kendall stood next to the table, suddenly unsure of what to do.
    Landon looked up, a smile spreading across his face that made him look years younger. Then he seemed to rein himself in and became serious again.
    “Hey.” Landon waved at the seat across from him.
    Kendall didn’t want a confrontational feeling to this, so he sat kitty corner instead. Landon raised an eyebrow, but his expression morphed into a smile. The waiter, some college kid trying very hard to keep up with orders, raced past their table, nodding when Landon waved. Kendall hoped they could get their drinks orders in quickly. His throat was suddenly too dry for comfort. If sitting close to Landon did that, what was going to happen once they started talking?
    “So, we’re not going to discuss our work?” Landon leant back and folded his hands on the table.
    “I don’t see what would be the point.” Kendall crossed his arms. “We’re on opposite sides and only one of us can win. Let’s leave it at that.”
    “Is that how you honestly see the situation?” Landon’s eyebrows rose.
    “What other way is there? We both have a job to do, and I’m sure we’ll both do our best. If you want to use this opportunity to find out what I’m planning, I’ll leave.” Kendall couldn’t bear the thought of Landon trying to use him like that. But what the hell did he know? The man was as good as a stranger after all this time apart.
    “I can’t believe you’d think I’d do that.” Landon shook his head. “This is about so much more than our jobs, but if you can’t see that, there’s no point in talking about it. And anyway, you’re right—it’s not what we agreed.”
    The waiter chose that moment to approach their table, hand them their menus and pull out a dog-eared notepad that had seen better days.
    Kendall made a quick mental note to get back to this idea of the bid being about more than their jobs. He had no idea what Landon was getting at, but he had a feeling it was really important for him to understand. If they were still talking to each other after tonight.
    “What can I get you gentlemen?” The kid wiped his brow and tried very hard to smile.
    “I’ll have another Bud, please.” Landon focused on the menu.
    “Just water is fine for me.” Kendall wanted a clear head for this.
    The kid took notes.
    “Would you like to order your food as well? The kitchen is already quite busy, so if you’re hungry, it’s probably better to order sooner rather than later.” The kid shrugged. “Just thought I’d warn you. It can get pretty hectic, even on a weekday.”
    “Sure, if you know what you want?” Landon looked at Kendall.
    “I’m not fussy.” Kendall checked the menu while Landon gave an order for nachos followed by a cheeseburger. There were a lot more choices than snacks and finger foods on